We are surprised to note that the gas was gushing out through the pipes of all tube-wells in two villages. Alongside, underground hot water mixed with gas and petroleum was streaming out.

We are further amazed to note that instead of taking serious urgent remedial measures the authorities were talking to the villagers how to save them from any disaster which might strike. It was also reported in the news that the authorities were strictly following the Public Procurement Rules 2003 which elaborate formalities to ensure transparency.

My question is, if fire breaks out in any government building, will our Fire Service have to go through the same procurement process to buy materials or float tenders to extinguish that fire?

Gas leakage is a highly sensitive and dangerous issue. The government should have emergency clauses in the PPR to handle such issues.

I think, this is not only PPR formality, it is our gas & oil authorities which were shirking their responsibilities to handle such emergency matters in the name of PPR. They are not bothered about the loss the nation was incurring every minute. If the agencies concerned could not be relied on, there should be an alternative High Powered Body to attend to such emergencies.